Art & Culture in Hertfordshire

A county shaped by creativity, heritage and bold ideas Art and culture run deep in Hertfordshire. From Roman mosaics and Jacobean masterpieces to cutting‑edge contemporary galleries, live performance and a thriving community of artists, the county has long been a place where creativity flourishes. Close to London yet proudly distinctive, Hertfordshire offers visitors the chance to experience culture in inspiring settings – historic houses, market towns, leafy campuses and unexpected urban spaces.

A landscape that inspires artists

Hertfordshire’s mix of countryside, historic towns and strong connections to learning and innovation has attracted artists for centuries. One of the most significant figures linked to the county is Henry Moore, whose international reputation was shaped in part by his home and studio at Henry Moore Studios & Gardens in Perry Green. Today, visitors can explore Moore’s former working environment, surrounded by monumental sculptures set into the landscape – a powerful reminder of Hertfordshire’s contribution to modern British art.

Earlier art movements also found a home here. Bushey Museum and Art Gallery tells the story of the Bushey Art Colony, founded by Hubert von Herkomer in the late 19th century, which brought progressive artistic thinking to the county and laid the foundations for Hertfordshire’s strong visual arts heritage.

Contemporary culture in historic settings

Hertfordshire’s cultural offer is not confined to the past. St Albans Museum + Gallery, housed in the city’s former Town Hall and courtroom, is a striking example of how historic buildings are being reimagined as vibrant, modern cultural spaces. With free entry, the museum hosts a changing programme of contemporary exhibitions alongside displays that explore over 2,000 years of local history, from Roman Verulamium to the present day.

Nearby, Verulamium Museum connects archaeology, storytelling and design, while installations and exhibitions across the city bring art directly into public life, reinforcing St Albans’ status as one of Hertfordshire’s cultural hubs.

Stately homes, masterpieces and royal connections

Art and culture in Hertfordshire are inseparable from its historic houses. Hatfield House, one of England’s finest Jacobean buildings, is both a cultural landmark and a living gallery. Its collection includes internationally significant portraits such as Nicholas Hilliard’s Ermine Portrait of Elizabeth I, alongside centuries of decorative art, tapestries and armour. The house’s royal and political connections place Hertfordshire firmly at the heart of Britain’s cultural and historical story.

These historic interiors are complemented by gardens designed as carefully as works of art themselves – spaces where architecture, sculpture and landscape come together to inspire visitors today.

Contemporary culture in historic settings

A county alive with creativity today

Across Hertfordshire, creativity is driven by both institutions and grassroots organisations. The University of Hertfordshire Arts + Culture programme plays a vital role, commissioning ambitious contemporary work, hosting exhibitions, live performances and caring for one of the largest public art collections in the region. With more than 500 artworks integrated across its campus – including an outdoor Sculpture Walk – art becomes part of everyday life for students, staff and visitors.

Community‑led initiatives are equally important. Herts Visual Arts has supported artists for over 35 years, most notably through Herts Open Studios, when artists across the county open their studios to the public. This annual celebration offers an authentic way for visitors to meet makers, see work in progress and discover the depth of creative talent rooted in Hertfordshire’s towns and villages.

Independent galleries and creative spaces such as Hertford Art Society, Hertford Arthouse and Courtyard Arts Centre continue to nurture local talent while welcoming new audiences, ensuring Hertfordshire’s cultural scene remains dynamic and accessible.

Performance, music and cultural events

Culture in Hertfordshire extends well beyond visual art. From theatre and live music to festivals and open‑air performances, the county offers year‑round opportunities to experience creativity in action. Orchestras such as the de Havilland Philharmonic Orchestra, based at the University of Hertfordshire, bring world‑class classical music to local audiences, while historic venues and modern auditoriums host everything from experimental theatre to family‑friendly performances.

Seasonal arts festivals, exhibitions and cultural trails further animate the county, offering reasons to return throughout the year.

Discover art and culture in Hertfordshire

Whether you are stepping inside a Jacobean masterpiece, wandering through a sculpture‑filled garden, exploring a contemporary gallery or meeting an artist in their studio, Hertfordshire invites you to engage with culture at every turn. It is a county where history and creativity sit side by side – grounded in heritage, alive with ideas, and always evolving.